More than 1,500 motorists have been caught speeding on the A500 in just 12 months.

The startling figures have been revealed as traffic officers mark the first anniversary of including the D-road among their patrol routes.

Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) has clocked up 2,208 hours over that period, cracking down on bad driving and criminals. It has also revealed there have been no fatal collisions on the stretch in the last year - despite three the year before.

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Over the last 12 months, CMPG has dealt with 247 incidents on the A500 and seized 29 vehicles. Officers have also made 15 arrests for driving under the influence of drink or drugs, theft, immigration offences, drugs offences and two for money laundering.

Superintendent Dave Twyford, head of CMPG, said: “Our introduction has meant more resources to further disrupt criminals that use the roads in the north of the county and a boost for road safety.

A Central Motorway Police Group officer on patrol by the A500

"This successful partnership has resulted in a more proactive approach to road users who put others in danger and capturing criminals using the road networks.”

Staffordshire Police's Assistant Chief Constable, Emma Barnett, said: "CMPG are a key part of our approach to roads policing and road safety in Staffordshire with their patrolling of the motorway network and the A500. We're really pleased that their patrols have boosted policing on one of our busiest roads and delivered a safer route for Staffordshire.”

Sharaz Yaqub, chairman of Stoke-on-Trent Private Hire Taxis, says work needs to be done around traffic flow to complement any speed enforcement.

Sharaz Yaqub says work needs to be done around traffic flow on the A500

"Safety is paramount and, as long as motorists aren't being used as cash cows, then we are all for it," he added. "But more needs to be done around traffic management because, if there is one accident on the A500, then the whole of Stoke-on-Trent comes to a stand-still.

"Taxi drivers are there for so many different customers and we need the road network to run."

Barry Proctor, owner of Talke-based haulage company Barry Proctor Services, wants police to take speed guns to other locations. He said: "I have some sympathy with the motorists but everyone knows the limit and if you break if then you are taking the risk and you know it."

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“This collaborative approach with Highways England Traffic Officers and CMPG operating on this key road is having a positive impact for drivers, making their journeys safer and more reliable.”

Stoke-on-Trent South MP Jack Brereton

Stoke-on-Trent South MP Jack Brereton has previously spoken in Parliament about the work of officers on the A500. He said: “I campaigned for CMPG to extend their patrols to the A500 and I am pleased that this first year of their involvement has seen success.

“I welcome action to reduce collisions on the D-road. Even one death or serious injury is too many. And we all see that traffic accidents on the A500 have an impact on the road system right across our city, causing delay and frustration to motorists.Driving safely and within the speed limit is vital.”

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